We live in an amazing time in history. Thanks to technology, nearly everything we could ever want or need is available at our fingertips. We can shop, chat with friends, buy food, and even make a living online. But even with these incredible advancements of technology, our challenges continue to multiply.

We’re busy, but bored.We’re full, but empty.We’re connected to everyone, but we’re lonelier than ever.We get hundreds of “likes” online, but still struggle with deep insecurities of being “liked” in real life.

Most teenagers would agree that each day seems to get busier, crazier, and more frantic. School work grows by the minute, extracurricular activities are taking more of our time, and the temptation to climb the popularity ladder steals away our attention.

But I think it’s time to put our attention back to where it needs to be.

In a time where so many of us are focusing our attention on our latest Instagram post, or capturing every moment on Snapchat, or obsessing over that cute boy or girl at school, or fighting with someone online who doesn’t share the same political view as us, we’ve forgotten where our attention deserves to be.

It’s time for us to slow down and focus on what actually matters.It’s time to focus on what truly satisfies.

It’s time for us to focus on Jesus.

Colossians 3:2 challenges us to set our focus “on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

I’ll confess, focusing on “things that are above” is not always easy. Often, I want to focus on other things: My wife, my job, my friends, or my hobbies. Truth is, none of these are bad things to focus on! But when I focus on them more than I focus on the Lord, that’s when I’ve misplaced my attention.

The name of this study is “Distracted” for a reason. In our journey of following Jesus, so many of us are distracted by the things in our lives. For one full week, I challenge you to set aside the things that are distracting you. Take a break from your social media accounts (gasp!). Detox from technology. Spend your nights doing something other than staring into a screen. For a single week, I challenge you to make space to focus on the one thing that truly matters.

Focus on Jesus.

WRITTEN BY: BRADEN COLLUM

SCRIPTURES

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

HEBREWS 12:1-2

RESPONSE QUESTIONS

What things in your life are distracting you from God?

Why do you think technology plays a large roll in distracting us from what’s really important?

After reading today’s scriptures, what did it teach you about focusing on God?

What are things you need to do (or not do) this week to focus better on God?